The legendary historic Westin Book Cadillac Hotel is as beautiful as ever following a 200 million renovation. Interesting fact: it was the tallest building in Detroit and the tallest hotel in the world at its completion in 1924.

I’ve heard recently, with all the movie biz going on in Michigan, it’s become a celebrity hang out, with the likes of Ben Stiller, Wesley Snipes and Gerard Butler seen eating there.

I was more interested in the restaurants that are in it. Michael Symon’s Roast, and 24 Grille.

On this occasion, we went to 24 Grille. I have to say I had high expectations after reading online reviews, and so we went! It didn’t hurt that we had a restaurant.com coupon that took $50 off our bill.

The Hotel is gorgeous and you have to go in to get to the restaurant. You have to valet park because parking in the city is impossible. 24 Grille has very nice decor and ambiance, with dark tones, wood, and fire touches. Very comforting. It was moderately busy, I had also made reservations, and we were seated right away. I always stake out a restaurant’s menu online, so I usually already know what I want to order (plus I try to make sure they have vegetarian/seafood options if they aren’t hallal/kosher).

The spinach gratin was good but nothing outta the ordinary. I liked the chunky artichokes in it.

*Spinach Gratin- MI- boursin cheese, marinated artichokes- $10

Our friend Mike had the calamari. He said they were ok. I didn’t taste em.

*Calamari- Boston, MA- fried capers, chili aioli- $12

I ordered the tuna tartare. It was REALLY good. You really have to mop up the soy sauce with what i’m assuming is a crispy wonton, to really get a complete bite, otherwise it would feel underseasoned. But all of it together was really yum.

I had the frisee. It said peppercorn dressing. Let me tell ya, it seemed there was no dressing at all. No salt, no pepper, no acid. Really dissappointing. I had to add a ton of salt to it, and I never salt my food.

For the main, my hubby wanted the salmon, but he opted out from getting it with the onions and just wanted asparagus with it. It was good, and cooked perfectly.

*Scottish Salmon- $25

Since I had ordered a appetizer, I knew I would be too full for a full plate so I ordered the truffled mac and cheese. It was divine. Probably one of my favorite things I had there. The crunch of the crumbs on top was the icing.

*Truffled mac & cheese

Mike had the scallop main. He liked it except for one thing, the clam sauce. He said the dish was too fishy, but otherwise good.

I will give the decor and ambiance a thumbs up but the service was soso because our waiter seemed to have something stuck up his wazoo.

Overall, I wasn’t really impressed. I mean the food wasn’t bad, there was nothing wrong with it per se, but underseasoned food is a sin! I was just expecting alot more especially for the prices they are charging. I mean they have a main dish priced at $60. Also, everything sounded much better on paper than it really was. Don’t get me wrong, I will pay anything for that perfect bite, but it has to be…perfect.

If you still want to try this place for yourself, they do have a happy hour, or use a coupon. Otherwise, don’t spend your hard earned money here.

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i tried my stab at being a food critic on my blog today, but i have a lot to learn from you!! i would LOVE to do it for a living.. but i’d be afraid of not being able to control myself and gaining lots of weight!!